Risk Factors

Symptoms

Peptic ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Symptoms may come and go. Food or fluids sometimes make symptoms better. Having an empty stomach may make symptoms worse. However, symptoms can occur at any time.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid NSAIDs. This includes common over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen .

Surgery and Endoscopy

Surgery and/or endoscopy may be recommended for:

An ulcer that won't heal

Recurring ulcers

A bleeding ulcer

A perforated ulcer

Problems with food passing out of stomach

Endoscopy

This may be done to stop bleeding. A thin, lighted tube is inserted down the throat into the stomach or intestine. Heat, electricity, epinephrine, or a substance called fibrin glue can then be applied to the area. This should stop the blood flow.

Surgery

Surgery for peptic ulcers is rare, but it can greatly reduce acid production. Common procedures include:

Removal of the ulcer

Removal of part of the stomach or small intestine

Tying off the bleeding blood vessel

Taking tissue from another part of the intestine and oversewing the ulcer

Cutting part of the nerve that goes to the stomach to reduce acid production

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of H. pylori
infection:

Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at
HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.